Hockey Ad Network

Thursday, August 5, 2010

LEWISTON, Wednesday, August 4, 2010 (QMJHL) - The Lewiston MAINEiacs have announced the hiring of former National Hockey League defenseman Darren Rumble as the team’s new associate coach.

“I absolutely love the dynamic that he brings to our team,” said MAINEiacs Managing Consultant and Governor Bill Schurman. “The players will love his energy, and knowledge of all levels of the game, from junior hockey to the highest professional level.”

The Barrie, Ontario native played in 945 career games in 16 professional seasons between the NHL, AHL, and IHL.

The former Kitchener Ranger (OHL) was drafted in the NHL’s 1st round (#20 overall) in 1987 by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Along with the Flyers, Rumble had stints with the Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues and the Tampa Bay Lightning over his NHL career. In 193 regular season games, he tallied 10 goals with 26 assists, and 216 penalty minutes.

Rumble’s minor pro career spanned 752 regular season games with 9 different clubs. He totaled 94 goals, 375 assists, and 469 penalty minutes in that span.

The former blueliner won the Eddie Shore trophy as the AHL’s best defenseman in 1996-97, while a member of the Philadelphia Phantoms.

"We are very excited to be able to land someone like Darren,” said MAINEiacs GM Roger Shannon. “With a young team and a young defense, combine Darren and [MAINEiacs assistant coach] Steve Finn and we think we hit a home run in the coaching department. Darren will work well with [MAINEiacs Head Coach] JF [Houle] and bring real solid experience to the staff."

The 41 year-old Rumble’s coaching experience includes three years as an assistant coach between the AHL's Springfield Falcons (2) and Norfolk Admirals (1). In 132 games as head coach of the Admirals, he posted a record of 50 wins, 61 losses, and 11 overtime losses.

“I am really excited to be getting this opportunity to coach young men this age. I was a major junior player and I met my wife and mother of our four children playing in Kitchener, it was one of the best periods of my life." said Rumble.

"I anticipate these guys all want to make the jump to the next level of pro and that is why I am excited to work with them in Lewiston to help them reach their dreams. I am most excited at what I see Mr. Just and Roger and all the people I have met, doing in Lewiston to make things work there for the future. We cannot wait to get started and get back to the USA and get going. I am looking forward to working closely with JF and Steve and all the staff to bring another championship back to the town.”